Tep Rocom

Tep was born in the village of Ploi Rvai in Vietnam, where he lived much of his life until immigrating to the United States as a refugee. In Vietnam, Tep worked the land as a farmer, raising rice, coffee, peanuts, yucca and other crops. After coming to the U.S., Tep continued working with his hands, planting a garden and enjoying work in several jobs, including lawn care, crafting granite and also at Bosch most recently.

A man of strong faith, Tep was among some of the earliest converts to Christianity in Vietnam. His passion for serving Christ and sharing the gospel resulted in his arrest and imprisonment by the communist government on several occasions. After suffering torture and persecution, Tep and his brother were able to escape to Cambodia where they were assisted by the InterFaith Refugee Ministry and eventually made the trip to the United States where they have lived since 2003. Several years later, his family was able to reunite with him.

He is survived by his wife, Avel Rocham of the home; five children, Phuch Rocham, Phung Rocham, Vin Rocham, Thau Rocham, and Jason Rocham, all of New Bern; brother, Pyo Rcham of New Bern; four grandchildren, Calvin Rocham, Callie Rocham, Andrew Rocham, and Angelina Rocham.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Uk Rcham and a granddaughter, Isabella Rocham.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, November 4, 2022 at Cotten Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at First Baptist Church with Dr. Richard Seagle officiating. He will be laid to rest at New Bern Memorial Cemetery.

Arrangements are in the care of Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory.